Nov 24, 2008 5:52 pm US/Eastern
Smokeless Nicotine Products Available In Baltimore
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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There's a new tobacco product showing up in Baltimore convenience stores that's popular in Sweden.
CBS
There's a new tobacco product showing up in Baltimore convenience stores that's popular in Sweden.
Suzanne Collins reports it's being marketed as an alternative to cigarettes, which are banned in many places.
They are called Snus--it's smokeless tobacco inside what looks like a small teabag. People place the flavored packet next to their gum where nicotine is released.
A woman who doesn't want her name revealed because her coworkers don't know she smokes plans to try Snus.
"I think it's a fabulous idea," she said. "There are so many places now--no one smokes in public--and it's an embarrassing habit to begin with, especially for women."
R.J. Reynolds is test-marketing Camel Snus in many cities, including Baltimore, where they are stored in a small refrigerator.
"This is a product that allows adult smokers to enjoy tobacco pleasure at places they are unable to smoke," said a spokesman.
But the American Cancer Society says Snus could cause pancreatic cancer instead of lung cancer.
"This is the tobacco industry's way of making snuff and chew tobacco more socially acceptable, but it's still tobacco. It still has nicotine in it and it's still addictive," said Bonita Pennino.
Reynolds says it's not making any health claims. Tobacco products carry risk and Snus is a tobacco product.
Snus are being marketed to people who can't smoke at work or are embarrassed to smoke just outside work. It says "work-friendly" on the box. It's also smoke-free and spit-free.
Lobbyist Bruce Bearano represents tobacco wholesalers.
"It doesn't have a smoke. It doesn't smell, doesn't impact anyone else. And if other people don't like it, that's their problem," Bearano said.
Camel Snus are being launched nationwide with a marketing campaign in January.
Snus have been popular in Sweden for years, but not widely distributed in the U.S. until now.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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